In 2002, the same year I invited Peggy to become a Heron's Nest
editor, she invited me to write an introduction to her forthcoming book,
To Hear The Rain. I was delighted, having greatly admired Peggy's
haiku for many years. In my introduction, I chose several poems from the
collection to illustrate her virtuosity. Peggy has now flown from The
Nest and from the world of nests: her family and many, many friends.
Though she will remain in our hearts, mine aches with loss while at once
it celebrates all she left for us. In tribute, I offer lines from three
of Peggy's poems that I chose to introduce her book, adding to them a
few of my own words, with deep respect and gratitude:
a layer of blue silk
the cloudless void
she leaves

cold windThe Heron's Nestone desk short

gone
the hand we reached for
when in the dark

I miss you, Peggy. The grace with which you lived your life will
forever inspire mine.